Google’s mobile payment platform, known as Google Wallet, has just gone through some major changes. They are moving stored payment information to Google’s secure servers. Previously, payment information was contained in a secure storage area on a user’s device. Google says this will cause faster integration with major credit card companies.

Google is also adding the ability to pay with Visa, American Express and Discover. Before this update, users could only pay with MasterCard and their PayPass product. This opens up the service to many more potential users who do not currently own a MasterCard.

This Google Wallet update also adds a fantastic security feature that allows users to remotely disable the Google Wallet service if their device is lost or stolen. You simply go to Wallet on the web and remove the functionality from your device. If you manage to recover your lost or stolen phone, you can simply reinstall the app and have everything up and running again.

Sadly, the list of devices supported by Google Wallet is still fairly sparse. The Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S3, HTC Evo 4G, Nexus 7 and LG’s Viper and Optimus are the only phones currently supported on the system.

Hopefully, with the Google Wallet service expanding, the devices offered will expand with it.

No Google Wallet for iPhone? What were they thinking? Since I'm gmail girl, Google seems to want me to add every other dang Google app to my iPhone and iPad so why not Wallet? As a Rideshare driver, I like having all available cash passing apps so that I'm ready and able to receive those tips from riders who aren't using tip feature programmed TNC app's like Uber, Fasten, & RideAustin. Anyway, with the heavy driver & rider pressure to modify, it shouldn't be too much longer before all of Austin's TNCs will provide the in-app tip option. Of course, Uber won't add it - that might look too much like they give a damn! Money, money, money, money -MONEY!!

I love using Google wallet. I was able to use it briefly on my Galaxy Nexus until Verizon disabled it, I am very unhappy about that. I still have my Nexus 7 with it enabled though it is not as portable as my smartphone. I know its future is uncertain but with Isis and Apples Passbook, portable payments should start becoming more the norm. At least I hope. I would love to carry around just my phone and have it provide my communications, ID, payments even my keys to my house. NFC could do wonders.

I just updated the app on my Galaxy Nexus and tried both the free $10 card from Google and my Bank of America VISA debit card added to the app at a CVS store yesterday and both worked great!

The girl at the counter was like "Whoa, dude I haven't seen anyone do that ever!". I definitely wanna see more of these readers around the place. Anywhere that they have a Mastercard Paypass reader will be able to take payments via NFC phones and the wallet app.